It’s the season of beautiful wedding and gorgeous brides. If you have chosen to get married at an outdoor venue for the big day, make sure to follow these tips to make your day as wonderful as possible!

1. Save the elaborate décor, like huge expensive bouquets of expensive flowers. Nature is your friend on this one, so let its beauty be all the decoration you need.
2. Clamp tablecloths down (or use duct tape underneath the table) in case of a big gust of wind.
3. Be sure everyone in your wedding party wears sunscreen. Keep some extra on hand for guests.
4. If your venue won’t let you hang lights, bring along some camping lanterns if the party will be going late into the evening.
5. Pick a place with playground equipment for any children that may be attending.
6. Be sure to make reservations early. Summer is also the season of graduation parties and family reunions, so park pavilions are in high demand.
7. Go with outdoor-friendly food. It can be as simple as burgers and hot dogs or you can get fresh pasts dishes from a local restaurant. The object here is not to have to worry about catering and all it entails.
8. Provide specific directions to the venue for wedding guests. (I learned this hard way, when one of my friends ended up driving around for a hour, gave up, and headed home.)
9. You can save on a dj or band by bringing your own stereo or iPod dock. Play mixes of your favorite party music. The best part about this? There is no chance of hearing a song you don’t like, or of not hearing songs you love!
10. Bring a few umbrellas just in case an unexpected summer storm comes your way.

Big Dot of Happiness has you covered on all your needs for this outdoor extravaganza. From the invitations to the decorations and tableware, everything is affordable and there are so many themes to choose from… well you just might want to have two weddings, just to use up all of your favorites!

 Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Here is a quick and easy idea for standout wedding or baby shower centerpieces that will later serve as keepsakes for the wedding couple or parents-to-be. Put old photos frames of the couple as babies and kids in some inexpensive. Make collages or simple do side-by-sides. Place them on tables throughout the venue with simple votive candles or personalized tea lights. Use a current picture of the couple as the topper for the wedding or shower cake.

Not only is this simple and affordable, but celebrates the new journey the couple will be taking together. Use the personalized tea lights as party favors and the couple can use the collages as décor in their home. If you’re looking some great frame options, check out our wedding and baby shower gift sections on Big Dot of Happiness. You’re sure to find elegant pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Want to get the best deal on flowers, venues, music, and more? Here are a couple of tips for getting the best deal on major expenses for any event:

1. Know your budget. Vendors are better equipped to help you out when they know what you can spend.
2. Know what you need. Don’t get sucked into things you don’t really need, like a coat check for a summer event. Ask what packages your vendor can offer and make sure the one pick has things that you need, then ask about the cost of extras.
3. Adopt a friendly, but firm, attitude. Being polite and assertive helps you and your vendor when working out the details, and encourages the vendor to come up with creative solutions for your budget.
4. Be prepared to walk away. If negotiations aren’t working out, politely say “No, thank you” and continue looking for a different vendor.
5. Know what’s in season. This applies to everything from flowers to food. If you’re booking an event in the summer, know that things will be more expensive because it’s wedding season. As far as things like flowers and food go, ordering what’s in season helps to cut costs because there will be no need to ship special orders just for your events.
6. Keep it as simple as possible. The easier the request, the more likely it is you’ll get a better deal on it.

Don’t forget that your supplies are already available at a budget-friendly price by Big Dot of Happiness. We have everything from the invitations and party favors, to the decorations and tableware. There’s no need to stress when everything is ordered in just a few clicks!

 Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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A wedding photographer can often cost as much as the wedding gown. You want to make sure you get all the pictures you want, but not sacrifice a hefty chunk of you budget to do so. It takes a little work, but by following these tips, you’re sure to find the best option for your wedding, while saving a bit for the honeymoon.

1. Call the art department of your local college or university. Many students will work for much less because they want to build their portfolios.
2. Purchase some throw away cameras and ask guests to participate in a photo scavenger hunt.
3. Enlist a family member who’s handy with a camera. This way, they get to give you a priceless gift, and you get to choose your favorite photos for your album.
4. If you have your heart set on a certain photographer, ask if they’ll shoot just the ceremony, or will work for a certain number of hours, instead of the whole day. This will save you money, because it gives them a chance to book another job that day (i.e. if your wedding is in the morning, they can take on an evening event as well).
5. Check out who your friends or coworkers have worked with, then mention their names to whichever photographer you choose. You may get a referral discount, and they may get some free services too!
6. If you like a certain photographer’s work, but can’t afford to use them, ask if they have an assistant or associate photographer who will do it for less.
7. Opt for a smaller package. You may find you don’t really need the huge wall portrait or 36 wallet-size prints. Also, ask if you can choose options “a la carte”, saving you hassle and useless prints that will only end up in a box in the attic.
8. Scour photographer’s websites and ads in local papers and phone books. Many photographers offer up to 20% off their services, just for mentioning their ads!

Don’t forget that Big Dot of Happiness offers you other ways to save. Look at our Bridal section for ideas on wedding favors, tableware, and gorgeous invitations. We want you to have a beautiful wedding. Why break the bank to do it?

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Every bride wants a beautiful wedding cake, but the price is often outstanding.  However, there are a few different options you can choose to get the beauty you want without spending a hefty chunk of your wedding budget. These tips will help you to save money while still having a beautiful cake on your big day.

1.  Look in the phone book and in local wedding magazines for coupons. You can save up to 20% by doing your research.

2.  Do your research by looking for online reviews of different bakeries and asking friends who did their cakes. By mentioning the good things you’ve heard, they may be inclined to give you a deal.

3. Know your budget. Telling a baker you can spend X-amount will help them in assessing what they can do for you and ensure that you don’t overspend, but still get great quality and beauty for your buck.

4. Check out options other than local bakeries. Wal-Mart, Target, and many local grocery stores make wedding cakes for a much lower price.

5. If you’re a talented baker, or know one in the family who’s willing to gift their time and energy, check out some different do-it-yourself wedding cakes. There are many books out there that have recipes and step-by-step instructions available at major bookstores and most local libraries. Do a test-run a month or so in advance to make sure it tastes and looks the way you want it to. Also, give yourself time a few days ahead of time to bake, if you’re doing it alone. In most cases, you can make the components separately days in advance and construct the cake the night before or morning of the wedding.

6. Try cupcakes! This new trend is a great option for smaller weddings. Not only are these usually cheaper because they’re less labor-intensive, but a much easier option if you’re doing it yourself.

7. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).

8. Pay attention to how many guests the cake size serves. You don’t need a 5-layer cake that serves 250 guests when you’re only having 100. If you still want a big cake, ask that the bottom tiers be made of foam instead of cake. No one will know the difference, since you’re cutting from the top down.

9. Skip the exotic flavors when ordering your cake. Mango may taste amazing, but it will cost you more than, say, lemon or orange. Keep it as simple as possible to save as much as you can.

Be sure to know what you want before you go cake shopping. Look at different pictures and bring your favorites with you when looking around. This will help your baker give you an accurate estimate and ensure that you get what you want out of your design. Using these tips, you should be able to get just that. Enjoy having your dream wedding cake… and eating it too!

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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There are many great ways to celebrate the bride and groom’s heritage, even if the wedding is not a culturally specific traditional ceremony. If you’re looking for a good way to incorporate the happy couple’s backgrounds, here a few ways you can do so:

Food: Whether at the bridal shower or reception, food is a great way to celebrate heritage. You can get food from a restaurant that focuses specifically on a certain cuisine. If using a caterer, ask them for some different options that will highlight the culture you looking to celebrate. (If they can’t, ask for a clause in your contract stating that bringing in homemade food is okay, then ask relatives to bring a dish.) A great bridal shower gift could be a book of traditional family recipes. You can also ask that the shower/wedding cake be decorated in a culturally specific way, utilizing things like flag colors, national flowers, etc.

Drink: In the event tailoring the food to a specific cuisine is impossible, serve drinks famous for coming from a specific place, like sake for a Japanese wedding, or chai for an Indian celebration.

Decorations: Beyond the traditional facets, a chuppah, for example, try using color as a way of celebrating heritage. The Chinese, for instance, favor red as a symbol for prosperity and good luck. You can use colors of the national flag, flowers, even use traditional symbols on centerpieces.

Music: Play a few songs throughout the shower/reception, either traditional or in a native language. The families can also do dances that celebrate their heritage.

Don’t forget that different colors & flowers can also be incorporated into the dress of the bride, groom, and attendants. Be it a tie or a full outfit; play up the different aspects you want to focus on. Even if all you can manage is a bouquet/centerpiece of native flowers (hibiscus & orchids make a stunning combination for Pacific Island heritage), what matters is that the happy couple is celebrated for who they are and who they want to be.

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Looking for a stunning wedding dress, but don’t want to spend more than your engagement ring cost? Here are a few ways to score a beautiful gown on the cheap.

Internet: Go to your local bridal shop and try on a few dresses by a designer you like. Then check out places like Ebay for a gown by that designer in your size. Usually, the sizes run similar in different styles. You may have to spend on some alterations, but you won’t have to worry about having a dress made just for you (very expensive). Make sure to spend an extra few dollars to buy insurance on the package when it’s shipped, just in case something catastrophic happens.

Clearance Racks: These dresses are not damaged. Most are sample sizes or dresses that were made for someone who changed their minds. Other times, it may be that the designer came out with a new line. You can get a beautiful dress for less than 50% of the original price! Try shopping mid-to-late Summer, for the best deals.

Sample Sales: These are easier to find in metropolitan areas, but if you really want a certain designer’s name on your gown, ask your bridesmaids to accompany you and make a weekend trip out of it!

Antique/Consignment Stores: These are great for the girl with vintage taste. You may need to spend some extra money on having it cleaned, but you will rest assured that your dress is one-of-a-kind.

Prom Dresses: Many prom dresses today are very dramatic, with fairy-tale ball gown skirts and tulle to spare. They run around $100-300, but that’s about 10% of the average wedding gown. You’ll still have to purchase a tiara or veil at a bridal shop, but you’ll save in the long run. This is also a good option if you want something simple. Don’t forget to have your bridesmaids try on some colorful dresses. They’ll appreciate the smaller price tag, too.

Bring a digital camera when you try on dresses if you need extra time to decide. They also help you get a peak at angles the dressing room mirrors don’t provide. Keep in mind, too, that these options are usually first-come, first-serve, so you won’t be able to spend weeks ruminating on your decision. Make sure that anything you buy is free of stains and unrepairable tears. Finally, make sure that anywhere you purchase your gown has a decent return policy. If they don’t, be sure that you love what you’re buying. A good sign is that no other dress feels as good as that one.

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Every child loves balloons, and that love nearly always carries into adulthood. When planning decorations for your event, don’t forget this fun and whimsical element! Big Dot of Happiness carries balloons for all occasions to match our themes!

Looking for a few fun ways to incorporate balloons into your party beyond the standard pile on the floor? Try these out:

• Balloon Games: How fast can people pop a balloon? How long can make it stay on their head or a wall with static electricity? How many can they stuff in a bag or box without popping them?
• Centerpiece: Glue or tape a few blown up balloons to the base of a vase for a large, festive display.
• Artwork: Tape alternate colors together on one wall to make fun designs like flowers, stripes, or anything else you can think of!

You can purchase regular balloons in a variety of colors or go with one of our special Mylar designs, many of which match different themes. All of Big Dot’s balloons are helium quality too, so you can have them blown up and ready to fly anywhere!

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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Not seeing what you are looking for when planning your baby shower, bridal shower, baptism or birthday party? Big Dot of Happiness is here to serve you!!
For instance, do you see a design you love and simply want a few changes?
Call our Party Planning Experts! 1.800.274.4282
We love making your special event unique and original!!

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Looking to feature a specific color in your wedding bouquets or event centerpieces, but need to go beyond roses? Here is a quick list of flowers by color that will help accent your décor or theme with flair.

Red: Poinsettias, Calla Lilies, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Geraniums, Zinnias,  Amaryllis, Asters

Pink: Petunias, Hydrangeas, Star-Gazer Lilies, Magnolias, Boronia, Sweet Pea, Peonies, Heather, Protea

Blue/Purple: Delphinia, Hydrangeas, Hyacinths, English Lavender, Forget-me-nots, Iris, Statice

Green: Bells of Ireland, Button Chrysanthemums

Yellow: Daffodils, Sunflowers, Buttercups, Black-Eyed Susan, Solid Aster, Dandelions

Orange/Peach: Zinnias, Dragon Lilies, Day Lilies, Alstromeria

White: Narcissus, Queen Anne’s Lace, Jasmine, Star of Bethlehem

Varietal Colors: Freesia, Gerbera Daisies, Larkspur, Gladiolas, Asiatic Lilies, Lisianthis, Snapdragons, Tulips, Marigolds

You can have bouquets made with one color or combine several colors to celebrate the season. Another stand-out idea is using one specific flower sparingly to accent a larger gathering of white roses or tulips. Also, if you order flowers that are season at the time of your event, you can save a lot of money. Enjoy your planning and make to take time to smell the roses (or lilies, or daisies…).

Posted by Jillian, a Dot-arilla Blogger

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